SSC Laser has bought a new 6kW flat-bed laser following a record intake of orders. The Derby-based company (www.ssclaser.co.uk), which was opened in January 2011, now employs 22 people.

Speaking about the £500,000 machine, general manager Nick Watson said: “This is a fantastic addition to our capacity here.

The Bystronic ByAutonom 6kW laser is more powerful than our existing machine, allowing us to cut mild steel up to 25mm thick, stainless up to 20mm and aluminium up to 15mm.

“Our Derby facility has grown rapidly over the past two years by offering laser-cut products at competitive prices on very short lead times. It can only be good news for our customers to know that we now have more capacity and can offer a wider range of products.”

SSC Laser also has sites at Hixon (near Stafford), Motherwell, Sunderland, Slough and Bristol. The company is expanding rapidly on the back of the upturn in the UK manufacturing sector.

Sales director Andy Evans says: “Group sales are at record levels, and we are very optimistic that the UK manufacturing sector will continue to grow over the next few years. In addition to our flat-bed laser capacity, we offer folded profiles and tube laser products.”